Alumna Sai Campbell reflects on the significance of her Rhodes Scholarship and making a difference
Burgmann alumna Sai Campbell (2019–2022) graduated from the Australian National University in December 2022 with First Class Honours in the Bachelor of Philosophy program. She was awarded the Tillyard Prize, which is the oldest and most prestigious award available to a graduating student. In announcing her Tillyard Prize, ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt described Sai as being known for her humility and hard work, and her commitment to using her privilege to pay it forward. Professor Schmidt spoke about Sai's work to achieve structural change with the ultimate vision of tertiary education that reflects the full breadth and diversity of Australia.
What the Rhodes Scholarship means to me
To receive the Rhodes Scholarship means three things. The first is an opportunity to study at a wonderful university that would be otherwise inaccessible to someone from my background and means. I’m so excited to just learn, not only from academic study, but also from my peers who will come from all over the world and different walks of life. I think that’s so special—that chance to learn a different perspective and gain a deeper appreciation of the world’s challenges and perhaps where I fit into its solutions.
The second significance it holds is that it means you don’t have to be a ‘certain type’ of person to receive an award like this. Previously I could never have envisaged myself applying, let alone receiving, the Scholarship. I was born in Thailand and came to ANU on Centrelink and scholarships. I used to clean hotel rooms with my mum and work shifts at Woolworths the night before my Year 12 exams. For a long while, I felt that someone like me didn’t belong in institutions like this.
I truly hope that this sends the message to far brighter and more deserving young people that their experiences and perspectives mean something, and it matters to have their voices in rooms where decisions are made. That’s how change happens. If you don’t think you’re the ‘conventional’ Rhodes Scholar, then you are exactly the type of person who should apply.
Finally, the scholarship is now a heavy debt to carry. As with every other act of generosity I’ve been afforded over my studies, with this comes an obligation to pay it forward. I think often to my family in Thailand, who still live and work in rubber farms, and reflect on how privilege of this kind demands that you use it for furthering the public good. Burgmann College’s supports were transformational and speak to the impact that college can have on a young person.
What helped me get here
My high school and ANU were crucial to my development as a student. The only source of pride I derive from receiving the scholarship is the fact that it recognises the legion of people who supported me and helped me get here. Their compassion, generosity, and altruism changed my life. As such, I owe thanks to an immense number of people.
I was only able to attend ANU with the assistance of the needs-based scholarships and bursaries from Burgmann. The College’s commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds is unparalleled and truly transformative. Financial supports that target need are the ones that actually make a difference.
As such, I am immensely grateful to Amelia Zaraftis, Sally Renouf, Asmi Wood, and all my friends at college who have been there for me from the start.
Plans for the future
I intend to use the Rhodes Scholarship to study infectious disease epidemiology, as well as inequalities in pandemics and our response to health emergencies. Oxford is such a fantastic hub of debate, discussion, and rigorous academic study which I imagine will be challenging but fruitful. Over the course of my studies, I have worked in various roles researching infectious disease problems and I hope to strengthen my technical training through postgraduate study. Importantly, I hope to return to my roots to address the problems back home that inspired me to apply in the first place.
In her graduating address at the ANU Conferring of Awards Ceremony, Sai said:
The best science, the science that leaves an impact, is science that uses numbers to reveal a little bit of the poetry of life and the universe itself. Good science doesn't leave us fulfilled; it leaves us wondering, wanting to know more, or to change the world.
Congratulations, Sai. Burgmann College is incredibly proud of your achievements and we wish you the very best for the future.
